A CLINICAL STUDY OF THYROID STORM

Abstract

Twenty-one episodes of thyroid storm were observed in 20 hyperthyroid patients from 1955-58. Twenty episodes occurred in patients with incompletely treated or untreated hyperthyroidism; 1 episode followed subtotal thyroidectomy. Sex and age distributions were similar to those of hyperthyroidism without storm. To prevent storm in hyperthyroidism antithyroid therapy should not be interrupted and the patient should be protected against infection, trauma, elective surgery or other situations which add to the metabolic burden. When these are unavoidable treatment for storm should be instituted prophylactically.